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New draft COGCC rules tighten oil and gas regs statewide

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission — the state’s regulatory authority over energy development — today released new draft rules that will be the focus of public hearings next week in Denver.

Among the new proposed regulations: water sampling of wells before and after drilling activities, setbacks extended to 500 feet, exclusion from areas within 1,000 feet of schools and hospitals, and new community outreach requirements that drilling companies will be compelled to follow.

The public meetings will be held at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, on Jan. 7-9.